Audi A3 Crowned World Car of the Year

The Volkswagen Group has yet again claimed the World Car of the Year award, this time with the Audi A3. The award is traditionally given out on the second day of the New York International Auto Show, and this time at least there were no tears as the A3 received its crown. Instead, there was just reasonable German celebration as the 69-member panel of judges, who are all top automotive journalists from around the world, picked the A3 over 23 other cars that were in the running for the award.

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The third generation Audi A3 has been available elsewhere in the world since 1996, but the model was more recently introduced to the United States auto market. It was previously only available in wagon form, but for the model’s third generation Audi USA is only offering it in sedan and convertible formats.

Audi says that the new A3 showcases many of the company’s new innovations, particularly when it comes to shedding curb weight, which results in improved fuel economy, better handling, and quicker acceleration. The 2015 A3 also comes with an array of driver assistance systems and the latest infotainment system from Audi.

The premium compact A3 has helped touch off a war among the three big German brands here in the United States. You can be sure that Audi will be using this award to take a few jabs at Mercedes and BMW. Of course, the real test will be to see how the public reacts to the redesigned A3.